With the popularity of Etsy, Pinterest, endless blogs, and even DIY shows on television, inspiration for do-it-yourself natural beauty products, cleaning supplies, and more are endless. When it comes to your smile, you may think that anything natural is safe for your teeth. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Today, let’s sort through the solutions that are safe for the smile and those that can cause harm. If you live in Lafayette, LA, and have specific questions about natural products, please feel free to contact our office.
Too Much Abrasiveness
Charcoal is a very popular product right now. People are using it in facial cleansers, whitening toothpastes, and even drinking it in water. Using charcoal on the teeth can be harmful because it is quite erosive to your teeth’s outer layer, the enamel. While yes, at first, your smile may appear to be whiter and brighter. After a few more uses, your teeth can begin to look more dull. The reason for this is because the abrasiveness of charcoal may erode the top layers of enamel revealing more and more of the inner tooth. This can be particularly problematic because enamel does not grow back. Once enamel is gone from your tooth, it can be restored with filling or bonding material, but the natural protection will be forever gone. Wearing away at your teeth’s protective surfaces by using charcoal toothpaste can leave your teeth vulnerable to decay and breakage. Baking soda is a product that is much less abrasive than charcoal, but even it should be used with caution so as to not overdo it. When it comes to whitening your teeth, your dentist can offer professional options that can be monitored for safety.
Salt Water, Herbal Teas, Etc.
When it comes to sores inside the mouth or toothaches, the internet is filled with homeopathic remedies. While salt water or an herbal tea may provide some temporary pain relief, neither will solve the heart of the problem. Painful sores and lesions should be mentioned to your dentist or doctor as soon as possible as they could be signs of a serious problem. Toothaches should also be mentioned to your dentist quickly. It is better to deal with a problem early than to wait for it to develop into a more costly situation.
Check with your dentist about specific solutions
Not all natural products are safe for your teeth. To schedule a consultation, contact us at our Lafayette, LA, dentist’s office at 337-237-6453. We proudly serve patients from Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities.
